The Hindu : Tight security for Indians

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

Tight security for Indians

Harare Feb. 18. Zimbabwe is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the visiting Indian cricket team does not face any safety or security hassle during its stay in the country. The organisers are fervently praying nothing untoward happens now or in the next few weeks when other teams are scheduled to play their matches.

On their arrival here on Sunday, the Indians were received at the airport by Education and Sports Minister Aeneas Changadwere who assured the team of their safety.

Urging the team to ``enjoy the splendours of the country'', he also dropped in a word of caution — don't go alone late in night and put yourself in a situation which could act as a propaganda coup for the opponents of the regime.

The Indian team was then collectively briefed at the hotel on precautions they must take during its stay in the country. ``Drink water only from the mineral bottle, don't touch and open any bag or go out alone at night or permit unknowns in your room. Always move in groups, beware of pick-pockets, don't talk to strangers and so on.''

As part of security measures, one entire floor has been allocated for the Indian team and neither common visitors nor media is allowed access to it.

There are security guards at every floor of the hotel and nobody is being allowed to enter the hotel without going through a screening.

Security guards accost players the moment they step on to the lift and then escorted down the lobby for whatever reason they want to be there. In case a player moves out, a security officer accompanies him. — PTI

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